Learn to Row Day Planned for Sunday

National "Learn to Row Day" is observed this weekend, and in honor of the occasion RowLA is hosting its own celebration Sunday.

The goal is to help as many people as possible learn to row, said organizer Liz Greenberger.

"We're trying to make rowing accessible to many more people and move away from being more elite," she said. "Rowing is a great way to get in shape and stay in shape."

Through RowLA, Greenberger regularly works with high school girls, including some from Westchester High School, Culver City High School and King Drew Medical Magnet High School in Compton, teaching them to row as well as providing academic tutoring. She said the girls have greatly benefited from rowing.

"Some of the girls have gone from obesity to athletic shape," she said.

Greenberger hopes as many people as possible participate in Sunday's event.

The RowLA festivities are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. Sunday on Palawan Way at Mother's Beach. Olympic bronze medalist Anita DeFrantz is also scheduled to be on hand to demonstrate rowing techniques.